00 V70 XC SE What's up with the security screws on the MAF?

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 16 Jan 2015, 06:36

Bought a new MAF and what a difference! Easy starting, smooth running.

But what's up with the 5-point security screws that mount the sensor? Why does Volvo think its so important to not unscrew it? It's just a sensor inserted into a plastic collar.

I ask because my replacement MAF assembly has a diameter that is a bit too large to fit into my filter housing and air duct (I had to duct tape it in place). I want to put the new sensor into the old assembly, but there are those darn 5-point security screws. Why does Volvo think that never removing that part is so critical?

Post by **cn90** » 16 Jan 2015, 07:15

Oh,

BMW does the same thing.
I think they (Volvo, BMW etc.) do not want the Jack and Joe fooling around with the MAF.
Very much like the TV Cable company (such as Cox, Comcast, etc.) places a security screw on the cable Box mounted outside of the home.

I agree it is goofy. This is a deterrence to the average shade-tree mechanic who does not have the security Tox keys.

Anyway, they should get rid of the security Torx, a waste of their time.

Post by **misha** » 16 Jan 2015, 08:04

instarx wrote:...I ask because my replacement MAF assembly has a diameter that is a bit too large to fit into my filter housing and air duct (I had to duct tape it in place).

You should have bought OEM Maf sensor.

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 16 Jan 2015, 09:09

misha wrote:You should have bought OEM Maf sensor.

Lol, when I win the lottery all my 15 year old cars will get OEM parts. I promise.

Post by **misha** » 16 Jan 2015, 09:49

You're lucky that with aftermarket maf your car even runs.

If you carefully read other members post....your aftermarket maf will not last long and sooner or later you must buy oem one.Doesn't matter is it new or used as long as it is OEM Bosch.

Good luck!

Post by **scot850** » 16 Jan 2015, 10:22

Not sure that it is Volvo or BMW that puts the security screws in but Bosch. I have a Bosch one and it also has the security screws in it. I have a set of security torx tools, but it doesn't work on this screw as it is wider and longer than others I have worked on. It would be easy to modify the torx bit to fit though.

Neil.

DrJammer · Post by **DrJammer** » 16 Jan 2015, 10:35

A single security torx is not that much in dollars, but understandably annoying. The MAFs I worked with on my non-turbo P2 did not have the security bits. You could always use small vise grips to remove and put in matching non-security torx screws, and some I have heard are plastic and you can snap off the pins and use a traditional torx bit.

And after much reading on this site, I went with used OEM MAF and had no issues. Good luck.

Post by **precopster** » 16 Jan 2015, 10:35

Contact your local Snap-On rep and he will provide a Toledo set. If nothing else you get a nice bit adapter and extension

Instarx did you buy a Dorman or Delphi brand insert?

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 16 Jan 2015, 11:05

DrJammer wrote:A single security torx is not that much in dollars, but understandably annoying. The MAFs I worked with on my non-turbo P2 did not have the security bits. You could always use small vise grips to remove and put in matching non-security torx screws, and some I have heard are plastic and you can snap off the pins and use a traditional torx bit.

And after much reading on this site, I went with used OEM MAF and had no issues. Good luck.

I found a 5-pt torx security set for $10 on Amazon, but its just the annoying futility of having to get it that bugs me. I tried the vise grip thing, but they sneakily made the screws round so you can't get a grip. I just cannot figure out what's so darned important about not unscrewing those two screws! LOL.

I went with an AIP Electronics MAF, which I chose for price.

I do recognize the importance of OEM when the parts are safety related, but a MAF is just no big deal, and the difference in price was $130. The car runs 100% better with loads of power I had forgotten I had. I was afraid I had another bad ETM.

Post by **FLXC90** » 16 Jan 2015, 13:08

All the parts stores sell the bit sets also for around $10. OEMs /suppliers used tamper-proof on critical systems-critical being the ones the Governments required, like emissions control equipment.